23-year-old arrested in stabbing of an Imam near Maassluis mosque

Dutch police arrested a 23-year-old man from Maassluis on Saturday morning in Vlaardingen for the stabbing of a 57-year-old imam from Maassluis the previous evening, authorities said.

The imam was slightly wounded in the attack, which occurred around 6:30 p.m. Friday as he walked on the street near the Yeni Cami mosque of the Islamic Foundation Netherlands in Maassluis. He fell and was beaten after the suspect attacked him, suffering a cut behind his ear.

According to 112 photographers at the scene, the imam received treatment on-site before being transported to a hospital for further care. He was treated there for his injuries.

Police said they are investigating the circumstances of the assault and are considering whether the victim’s profession as an imam was the reason for the attack.